Emefiele To Face Gun, Ammunition Possession Charges — Sources

The suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele might face charges of illegal possession of gun and live ammunition.

According to a report by Channels Television, the embattled CBN governor will face a two-count charge of possessing one single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence, thus committing an offence contrary to Section 4 of the Firearms Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) (b) (i) of the same act.

He is also accused of having in his possession 123 rounds of live ammunition (catridges) without a licence.

The offences were allegedly committed at No.3B Iru Close, Ikoyi, Lagos “on or about the 15th of June 2023”

Count one read: “That you, Godwin Emefiele Male of No 8 Colorado Street Maitama Abuja, on or about the 15th June 2023, at No 3b Iru Close, Ikoyi, Eti Osa Local Government, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession one (1) Single Barrel shot Gun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 4 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.”

Count two: “That you, Godwin Emefiele Male of No 8 Colorado Street Maitama Abuja, on or about the 15th June 2023, at No 3b Iru Close, Ikoyi, Eti Osa Local Government, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession One Hundred and Twenty-Three (123) Rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) without a licence You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.”

However, a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, sitting at Apo, Abuja, yesterday voided his arrest and detention.

This is coming after a High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja ordered the DSS to charge Emefiele to court within seven days or release him.

The spokesman of the Department of State Service (DSS) had on Thursday said that the decision to charge Emefiele was in compliance with the court order.

The service had previously sought to arraign Emefiele for offences bordering on terrorism.

In February, it said a preliminary investigation revealed various acts of terrorism financing, fraudulent activities perpetrated by Emefiele.